Super Eagles 23-man squad: 10 quick observations from Eric Chelle’s selections for Rwanda, Zimbabwe

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Franco-Malian tactician trimmed his initial 39-man list, unveiling the final selection on Tuesday via the team’s official social media channels.

Here are ten key takeaways from Chelle’s squad, covering inclusions, omissions, and surprises.

1. Squad composition

The final squad consists of three goalkeepers, six defenders, six midfielders, and eight attackers for the two crucial fixtures.

2. Defensive structure

Chelle has called up three centre-backs, one left-back (Bruno Onyemaechi), and two right-backs (Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel).

However, Calvin Bassey, traditionally a centre-back, can provide emergency cover at left-back if needed.

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3. Midfield balance

The midfield selection includes two defensive midfielders (Wilfred Ndidi and Alhassan Yusuf), two central midfielders (Joe Aribo and Papa Daniel Mustapha), and one attacking midfielder (Alex Iwobi).

4. Attacking depth

Among the eight forwards, there are four centre-forwards (Victor Osimhen, Umar Sadiq, Tolu Arokodare, and Victor Boniface) and four wingers (Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, and Nathan Tella).

5. Goalkeepers based in Africa

All three goalkeepers ply their trade on the African continent: Stanley Nwabali (South Africa), Omas Obasogie (Tanzania), and Kayode Bankole (Nigeria, Remo Stars).

Maduka Okoye, despite impressing in Udinese’s Serie A draw against Lazio on Monday night, misses out. Cyprus-based Adebayo Adeleye also fails to make the final cut.

6. NPFL representation

Remo Stars’ Bankole is one of only two Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) players in the squad, alongside Niger Tornadoes midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha.

Meanwhile, Tanzania-based Obasogie previously played for Bendel Insurance before moving abroad last year.

7. High-profile omissions

Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho, Southampton’s Paul Onuachu, and captain Ahmed Musa are the most notable absentees from the final selection.

8. Potential debutants

Three uncapped players have made the squad: Czech Republic-based defender Igoh Ogbu, home-based midfielder Papa Daniel Mustapha, and Belgium-based forward Tolu Arokodare.

However, fellow first-time invitees Anthony Dennis (Göztepe) and Christantus Uche (Getafe) have missed out.

9. Europe’s top scorer overlooked

Victor Osimhen (23 goals) and Cyriel Dessers (22 goals) are Nigeria’s highest-scoring players in all competitions in Europe this season. While Osimhen has been included, Dessers once again fails to make the squad.

10. Club teammates in the squad

Only two club pairings feature in this selection: Nathan Tella and Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen, and Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi from Fulham.

LIST OF 23 SUPER EAGLES FOR RWANDA, ZIMBABWE GAMES

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)

Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic)

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Valencia FC, Spain); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium)